Abstract

Korea’s dividing ideologies of the past century, and the dominant efforts to legitimise the
respective political agendas of the two States, have had an impact on the interpretation of, and
the choice of focus within, cultural heritage and history. Cultural heritage policies are part of
this particular historical narrative, reflected in heritage interpretations and activities. Whereas
the socio-political studies of unification focus on a territorial unification, an approach coming
from cultural heritage has the potential advantage of being able to focus on congruence through
common roots, views of history and cultural values. Through an analysis of historical events
and cultural heritage in the North Korean border town Kaesŏng, the research highlights the
contribution of cultural heritage to past, present and future national perceptions. It also explores
the impact that current socio-political developments have in turn on cultural heritage
interpretations.
Cultural heritage has not been, and will not to be, the major player in rapprochement politics
practiced in South or North Korea. However, as a medium for collective memory and
reflection, it can be a useful tool of rapprochement. Although heavily regulated by political
agendas, recent joint Korean excavations in Kaesŏng, and one-day tourism tours for South
Koreans to the site, provided an unique chance to observe the beginning of historical reflection
on contested, compromised and shared cultural interpretations. For a time, the convergence of
diverse and shared interpretations provided for the first steps towards mutual recognition and
acknowledgement: that activities need to be continued.

Type:

Thesis
(Doctoral)

Title:

A historiography of cultural heritage interpretation and policy in Kaesŏng, DPR Korea and their possible impact on inter-Korean rapprochement